Microchip Technology Announces New 2 MHz Pulse-Width Modulator
Microchip Technology Inc. announced the MCP1631 2.0 MHz, high-speed Pulse Width Modulator (PWM). The highly integrated device contains a 1A integrated MOSFET driver, high-speed comparator for over-voltage protection, and both battery-current and voltage-sense amplifiers in one small package. Protection features, such as Under Voltage Lock Out (UVLO) and overtemperature protection, come standard with the PWM, which is capable of charging multiple battery chemistries, including Li-Ion, NiHM, NiCd and Lead Acid.
The MCP1631 PWM is said to provide a means to close the feedback loop in Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPSs) that use microcontrollers for general system intelligence and control. The integration of the PWM’s SMPS input and output interface via its voltage comparator, battery-voltage and current-sense amplifiers, plus its 1A MOSFET driver, enable designers to use this single device to perform many different functions in their designs. The result is said to be a smaller design footprint and lower overall cost.
Additionally, the MCP1631 is controlled by an easily-programmable microcontroller, meaning that exact charge profiles for a variety of battery-charging systems can be accurately met, while closing the feedback loop with the speed and precision needed for safe charging and long battery life. The PWM’s UVLO and overtemperature protection features enhance the safety of battery-charger designs.
"Microchip is pleased to again offer a device for the switch-mode power arena that recognizes and simplifies bringing digital control into the analog world," said Bryan Liddiard, Vice President of Marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. "This product further exemplifies Microchip’s commitment to the intelligent power-supply and battery-charging markets."
High-voltage versions of the MCP1631 PWM are available (Part # MCP1631HV), which operate from 6 to 16V and include a Linear Regulator (LDO). The standard versions of the device operate from 3 to 5.5V, and do not include a LDO. Possible applications include handheld medical, consumer and industrial electronic devices that require power management and SMPS technology, with a focus on battery charging. Examples include intelligent power supplies, smart battery chargers, RF remote devices, handheld scanners, parallel power supplies and ac power factor correction.
The MCP1631 Battery Charger Reference Design (Part # MCP1631RD-MCC1) is available, to help designers evaluate the MCP1631HV in their applications. The design includes a PIC16F883 microcontroller, which generates the proper charge algorithm and selects the battery type and number of cells for the application. It operates from a 12V input and is capable of charging 1- or 2-cell Li-Ion, or 1 - 4 NiMH batteries in series. The reference design is priced at $50.
With availability in the ultra small 4 mm x 4 mm QFN package, as well as in standard 20-pin TSSOP and SSOP packages, the PWM meets the needs of compact, cutting-edge designs, as well as traditional designs. Prices range from $1.06 – $1.21 each in 10,000-unit quantities, depending upon device and package option.
